ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
NITI Aayog
Goa Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant engages with Women Business Leaders from Western India for a workshop on enabling women-led development, reaching the last mile
Panaji | 3rd October 2023
The NITI-State Workshop on 'Enabling Women-Led Development' was held today at the National Institute of Oceanography, Panaji. Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Swant graced the occasion the chief guest.
The Women Entrepreneurship Platform  incubated in NITI Aayog, and now transitioned into a public-private partnership is a one-stop solution for information and services relevant to women entrepreneurs, offering a wide range of resources, including the SmartMatch feature for government schemes and private sector initiatives, a knowledge base, a community page, and a mentorship module.
This workshop boasted an impressive lineup of speakers, including notable figures such as the Honourable Chief Minister of Goa, Dr Pramod Sawant, Dr VK Saraswat, Member NITI Aayog, B.V.R Subrahmanyam, CEO NITI Aayog, Sulakshana Sawant, President, Goa state women SHGs. Representatives from esteemed organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Reliance Foundation, Piramal Foundation, ICAI , SIDBI, Ola Foundation, and others also participated in this workshop.
During the inaugural workshop Dr Chintan Vaishnav, Chair of Startup20 India and Mission Director at Atal Innovation Mission, delivered a TED Talk focusing on the importance of inclusion and diversity within the global startup ecosystem, particularly within the Group of Twenty  nations.
Dr VK Saraswat, a Member of NITI Aayog, delivered the inaugural address, emphasizing the Government of India's initiative towards balanced growth through women-led development.
Several significant initiatives were announced during the session, including Udyam Uplift by CAXpert, the AIC-GIM-WEP collaboration known as "We Nurture," and the ATR program for Goa entrepreneurs. The launch of a partnership between ICAI and NITI Aayog was also announced. The Honourable Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant of the Government of Goa, delivered a keynote address, sharing insights and perspectives on women-led development in the region.
With the Chief Minister of Goa in attendance, the event highlighted the government's unwavering commitment to nurturing women entrepreneurs. The workshop marked a significant step toward a future where women played a pivotal role in shaping India's economic landscape. The knowledge shared, connections forged, and initiatives launched promised to create an environment where women-led businesses would flourish. The program concluded with a successful collaboration forged between WEP and The Goa State Women Self Help Group Association.
Source : NITI Aayog
GSK/PM
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Ministry of Railways
Indian Railway launches One Touch ATVM for fast ticketing at 42 Suburban Stations of Central Railway
A total of 92 ATVMs has been installed at 42 suburban stations
Indian Railways has launched ‘one touch ATVM’ at 42 suburban stations of Central Railway to render fast ticketing to millions of commuters over Mumbai Suburban Network. Railway passenger can avail the service of this new machine from today onwards at 42 suburban stations. This new machine will reduce the waiting time of the passengers and allow passenger to avoid standing in long queues.
The new machine is loaded with the user friendly and uncomplicated procedure which will greatly ease the load on ticketing system of Mumbai Suburban Network. A total of 92 ATVMs has been installed at 42 suburban stations.
The salient features of one touch ATVM is that a passenger can obtain a ticket in just two steps instead of earlier six steps on a regular ATVM. One touch ATVM will show one screen display for selecting single/return journey tickets. The passenger can select desired station in the distance slab, just press tab “upto station” either for journey tickets or return journey tickets. The passenger can get platform ticket also with single touch.
Ministry of Coal
Innovative Remotely Piloted Aircraft System  Inaugurated at MCL of Coal India Ltd
The initiative will enable access to real-time video through internet and pave the way for allied potential use-cases of drones in mines
Foundation stone also laid for first mile connectivity project -- Lajkura SILO, which would add 15 million tonne per annum despatch capacity to the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited 
In a first, in Coal India Ltd.  under the Ministry of Coal, an innovative Remotely Piloted Aircraft System  at Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd  was inaugurated yesterday.
Designed by the MCL’s Innovation Cell and the Department of E&T, the portal named “Vihangam’ for remote monitoring was created by a Mumbai-based start-up of drone manufacturing, robotics and automation.
This state-of-art initiative will enable the Company to access real-time video through the internet and pave the way for other allied potential use-cases of drones in mines.
The Chairman, Coal India Ltd Shri Pramod Agrawal , also laid the foundation stone for Rs 285.05 crore first mile connectivity  project -- Lajkura SILO, which would add 15 million tonne per annum despatch capacity to the Mahanadi Coalfields Limited .The Chairman also commissioned four 100 tonne dumpers and one mobile water sprinkler at Samleshwari OCP.
Carrying forward the vision of Sustainable Mining, MCL is implementing nine FMC projects to provide pollution-free state-of-the-art rake loading system at a total capital expenditure of Rs 3,600 crore. This will also generate a despatch capacity of 126 million tonne per year, expected to be achieved by the year 2024.
MCL was the first coal company to introduce environment-friendly Surface Mining technology in 1999. The biggest fleet of 66 Surface Miners is contributing 95 per cent of the total coal production of the company.
SS/RKP
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Finance Commission
Finance Commission meets Representatives of ULBs of Telangana
The 15th Finance Commission today met the representatives of the Urban Local Bodies of Telangana. The meeting discussed issues like the impact of implementation of GST on ULBs due to issues like subsuming of entertainment tax and compensation to ULBs by State Government, the issue of supply of free water across the state, the functioning of the SPVs set up by the State Government for various projects. The meeting also focused on the issue of the State Finance Commission  - constituted on March 16, 2015 - which is yet to submit its report.
Basic Information on Telangana ULBs as provided by State:
i) Telangana Municipalities Act, 1965, Telangana Municipal Corporation Act, 1994 & Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act, 1965 are the Acts providing for self-governance of ULBs.
ii) 17 functions out of 18 envisaged in the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution devolved to ULBs.
iii) Accounts are maintained upto 2017-18 & audited upto 2016-17.
iv) SFC-I of Telangana constituted on 16.03.2015 is expected to submit its report by 02-01-2020. State has been releasing funds currently as per the recommendations of SFC-III .
v) Number of local bodies  at each level of ULBs is as below:
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ULBs
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Number of Local Bodies
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Municipal Corporations
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6
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Municipalities
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136
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Total
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142
23 Nagar Panchayats in the State have been upgraded to Municipalities in 2018.
Revenue Sources of ULB’s as provided by the State:
i) Main source of revenue of ULBs are own taxrevenue  and non-tax revenue .
ii) In 2016-17 & 2017-18, own revenues of Municipal Corporations hovered around 65% of total revenue.From 2016-17 to 2017-18, own revenues  of Municipalities jumped from 52% to 65%, and that of Nagar Panchayats from 52% to 68%.
iii) In 2017-18, the share of immovable property tax in total revenue was 38%, 26%, & 29% for Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, & Nagar Panchayat.
According to the Report of CAG on Local Bodies, 2016-17:
i) The findings of performance audit on Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation  is as under:
a) GHMC could not ensure compliance with regard to implementation of Building Rules issued by Government. This resulted in proliferation of unauthorised constructions.
b) Establishment of waste to energy plants had not materialized.
c) GHMC failed in protecting water bodies. 17 lakes were not traceable while 9 lakes were fully encroached.
ii) Social Audit yet to be instituted for programmes implemented by Urban Development Department.
Devolution by FC-XIV to ULBs
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Grants
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Telangana 
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All States 
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Grants to Telangana as a % of Total Grants
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Basic Grant
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2711.12
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69715.04
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3.89%
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Performance Grant
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677.78
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17428.76
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3.89%
MC
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Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals estimated to have export generation potential of Rs 1,96,000 crore over a period of 6 years
Scheme estimated to generate 20,000 direct and 80,000 indirect jobs
The scheme incentivizes the manufacturing of patented drugs and other high value drugs at an incentive rate of 10% of incremental sales
The Government has approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Pharmaceuticals on 24.02.2021 which was notified in the Gazette on 03.03.2021. The Operational Guidelines containing the details of the scheme on each aspect and the process of making applications were issued on 01.06.2021. These operational Guidelines can be found on the website of the Department and can be accessed at https://pharmaceuticals.gov.in/schemes.
The scheme estimated the export generation potential of Rs 1,96,000 crore over a period of 6 years in all the three categories of products under the scheme which includes high value products as well.
The PLI scheme estimated the investment potential of around Rs 15,000 crore and the generation of employment potential of 20,000 direct and 80,000 indirect jobs as a result of the growth in the sector over the period of the scheme.
At present low value generic drugs account for the major component of Indian exports. As far as patented drugs are concerned, the same are imported as well as manufactured in the country. The scheme incentivizes the manufacturing of patented drugs and other high value drugs at an incentive rate of 10% of incremental sales which is highest amongst the product categories under the scheme.
The information was given by the Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Railways
Survey and preparation of Detailed Project Report for seven High Speed Rail corridors has been undertaken
“In-principle” approval given for pre-investment activity for the following two Semi High Speed Rail Projects
At present, the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail  Project is the only sanctioned High Speed Rail project in the country which is being implemented with technical and financial assistance from Government of Japan. Further, the Survey and preparation of Detailed Project Report  for the following seven  High Speed Rail  corridors has been undertaken:
 Delhi - Varanasi
 Delhi -Ahmedabad
 Mumbai-Nagpur
 Mumbai -Hyderabad
 Chennai - Bangalore - Mysore
 Delhi - Chandigarh - Amritsar
 Varanasi – Howrah
Further, the Government has given “in-principle” approval for pre-investment activity for the following two Semi High Speed Rail  Projects:-
 Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod Semi High Speed Rail  Project on Standard Gauge; and
 Pune-Nasik Semi High Speed Rail Project on Broad Gauge Line.
Both the Semi High Speed Rail  projects are to be executed by Joint Venture company naming Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited  and Maharashtra Rail Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited  of the State Governments of Kerala and Maharashtra respectively.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Communications and Electronic & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Special Service and Features
Walk-in-interview at ICAR - CTCRI
Indian Council for Agriculture Research - Central Tuber Crops Research Institute  Sreekariyam, Thiruvananthapuram under the Ministry of Agriculture - Farmers Welfare is conducting a Walk-in-interview for the post of Young Professional-II on temporary basis. Interview is on 12 June 2023 at 10 AM. Salary: Rs.35,000 . Qualification: M. Sc.  Plant Pathology/ Plant Biotechnology/ or M.Sc in Biotechnology/ Biochemistry and Practical Experience in Handling of Plant viruses, DNA, RNA, Protein, cloning and usage of computer, database, MS office experience. Candidates having First class postgraduate degree in the relevant subject and not more than 45 years as on 01.06.2023 may attend the interview along with all documents.
For more information visit - http://www.ctcri.org/scripts/announcements.php
--NS--
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Prime Minister's Office
PM participates in the 14th BRICS Summit
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi led India’s participation at the 14thBRICS Summit, convened under the Chairship of President Xi Jinping of China on 23-24June 2022, in a virtual format. President Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil, President Vladimir Putin of Russia, and President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa also participated in the Summiton 23 June.The High-level Dialogue on Global Development, non-BRICS engagement segment of the Summit, was held on 24 June.
On 23 June, the leaders held discussions including in fields of Counter-Terrorism, Trade, Health, Traditional Medicine, Environment, Science, Technology & Innovation, Agriculture, Technical and Vocational Education & Training, and also key issues in the global context, including the reform of the multilateral system, COVID-19 pandemic, global economic recovery, amongst others. Prime Ministercalled for strengthening of the BRICS Identity and proposed establishment of Online Database for BRICS documents, BRICS Railways Research Network, and strengthening cooperation between MSMEs. India will be organizing BRICS Startup event this year to strengthen connection between Startups in BRICS countries.Prime Minister also noted that as BRICS members we should understand security concerns of each other and provide mutual support in designation of terrorists and this sensitive issue should not be politicized. At the conclusion of the Summit, BRICS Leaders adopted the ‘Beijing Declaration’.
On 24 June, Prime Minister highlighted India’s development partnership with Africa, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and from Pacific to Caribbean; India’s focus on a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based maritime space; respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations from the Indian Ocean Region to Pacific Ocean; and reform of multilateral system as large parts of Asia and all of Africa and Latin America have no voice in global decision-making. Prime Minister noted the importance of circular economy and invited citizens of participating countries to join Lifestyle for Environment  campaign. The participatingguest countries were Algeria, Argentina, Cambodia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Fiji, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan,Malaysia, Senegal, Thailandand Uzbekistan.
Earlier, in the keynote speech delivered at the Opening Ceremony of BRICS Business Forum on 22 June, Prime Minister appreciated BRICS Business Council and BRICS Women Business Alliance which continued their work despite COVID-19 Pandemic. Prime Minister also suggested the BRICS business community to further cooperate in field of technology-based solutions for social and economic challenges, Startups, and MSMEs.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Press Communique
(Vide Notifications of even number dated 01.05.2023, in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint Shri Justice T. S. Sivagnanam, Acting Chief Justice, Calcutta High Court as Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court with effect from the date he assumes charge of his office.
Ministry of Railways
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to inaugurate country's first 3D Printed Post office building in Bengaluru tomorrow.
Country's first 3D- Printed Post office building under Karnataka Circle of the Department of Posts will be formally opened in Bengaluru tomorrow.
Union Minister for Railways, Communications, Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw will inaugurate the building constructed at the Cambridge Layout site in the city in the morning. Later, the Minister will release a special cover on the 3D printed building.
The newly constructed post office building has a built-up area of 1021 square feet. The IIT Madras has provided technological guidance to the Department of Posts in the project. The
construction was carried out through 3D concrete printing which is a fully automated building technology where a robotic printer deposits the concrete layer by layer as per the approved design. Special grade concrete which hardens quickly is used to ensure bonding between the layers for the purpose of printing the structure.
The entire construction activity was completed in 45 days as compared to about six to eight months' time taken for the conventional method. Cost and time savings make 3D concrete printing technology a viable alternative to conventional building practices.
Ministry of Coal
Reforms in Coal Sector
The Mineral Laws  Act, 2020 was enacted to amend the Coal Mines  Act, 2015 [CMSP Act] and the Mines and Minerals  Act, 1957 [MMDR Act]. The amendments in the Acts enabled following.
 Allocation of coal blocks for composite prospecting license-cum-mining lease which will help in increasing of the inventory of coal, lignite blocks for allocation. Repetitive and redundant provision requiring previous approval of Central Government in cases where the allocation or reservation of coal/lignite block has been made by the Central Govt. itself has been done away with.
 Provided flexibility to the Central Govt. in deciding the end use of Schedule II and III coal mines under the CMSP Act. Companies which do not possess any prior coal mining experience in India can now participate in auction of coal blocks.
 Methodology for auction of coal and lignite mines / blocks for sale of coal / lignite on revenue sharing basis under the CMSP Act and the MMDR Act was approved by CCEA on 20.05.2020 and order was issued on 28.05.2020. Salient features of the methodology are as under:
- Bidders would be required to bid for a percentage share of revenue which would be payable to the State Government.
- Applicable to fully explored as well as partially explored coal blocks under the CMSP Act and MMDR Act.. Upfront amount is based on value of estimated geological reserves.
- Successful bidder shall be provided incentives for early production and for gasification or liquefaction of coal.. Exploitation of Coal Bed Methane  is allowed.
- There shall be no restriction on the sale and/or utilisation of coal from the coal mine.
- Provides for relinquishment of coal block by the successful bidder of partially explored coal mine. Directions of the Central Government were issued to the Nominated Authority for conducting auction of 38 coal mines for sale of coal under the provisions of the CMSP Act and the MMDR Act. After completion of all the necessary processes, Commercial Mining was launched on 18.06.2020
This information was given by Union Minister of Coal Shri Pralhad Joshi in a written reply in Lok Sabha yesterday.
Ministry of Power
REC extends Rs. 6,075 crore loan to Greenko for setting up 1,440 MW Pumped Storage Project
REC Limited has sanctioned Rs. 6,075 Crore loan to renewable energy company Greenko for setting up 1,440 MW Standalone Pumped Storage Project.
The country’s premier NBFC-IFC is also in advanced discussions with Greenko and is poised to extend financial support for multiple clean energy projects. The National Electricity Plan of the Central Electricity Authority estimates an overall Renewable installed capacity growth of around 4 times between FY 2022 and FY 2032 . These projections, coupled with global thrust and national commitments under Renewables, will not just present a business opportunity for REC but will also allow the company to contribute to nation building by leading the green financing vertical.
Previously, REC hosted the Green Finance Summit in July 2023 on the sidelines of India’s G20 Presidency, where one-on-one discussions with RE developers were conducted, leading to the successful signing of Memorandums of Understanding  amounting to a total of around Rs. 2.86 lakh Crore. These milestone agreements reflect REC's pivotal role in facilitating green financing solutions and strengthens its position as a key financing partner for India's transition to sustainable and clean energy.
REC Limited, a Maharatna corporation, has positioned itself as a leader in driving India's energy transition, harmonizing its efforts with the country's COP26 obligations and recent G20 undertakings. With a steadfast vision and unyielding dedication, REC is firmly set on a path to attain a green finance loan portfolio totaling Rs. 3 lakh Crore by the fiscal year 2030.
REC Limited is an NBFC focusing on Power Sector Financing and Development across India. Established in 1969, REC Ltd. has completed over fifty-four years in the area of its operations. It provides financial assistance to the complete power-sector value chain; for various types of projects including Generation, Transmission & Distribution and Renewable Energy. Recently, REC has also diversified into non-power Infrastructure and Logistics sector, to cover areas such as airports, metro, railways, ports, bridges, etc.